Bacteria levels normal at 2 Everett beaches after sewer line break

EVERETT — Water samples taken on Saturday show bacteria levels are back to normal at Pigeon Creek beach and Howarth Park. As a cautionary measure, city officials were leaving closure signs in place on Sunday.

They warned people to avoid contact with the water and closed the beach because of elevated bacteria levels after a sewer main broke and dumped waste into Port Gardner on Thursday night.

Two pumps and the sewer lift station were submerged in the break. One pump is back in operation. It may be weeks before the other is fully restored.

In the meantime, the city installed temporary bypass pipes. The bypass on 25th Street has now been dismantled.